AI advances ignite labor crisis fears in Spain

MADRID, SPAIN — A new report reveals that 70% of Spanish managers anticipate a potential labor crisis due to the rising influence of artificial intelligence (AI).
The study by GI Group Holding collected insights from over 1,000 managers and experts in AI and human resources.
The introduction of AI and new technologies is inducing mixed sentiments among managers, with expectation (51.1%), uncertainty (48.7%), and worry (31.9%) being the most prominent.
Notably, while 78% of managers predict that AI could precipitate a labor crisis, 54.6% perceive it as a gateway to economic, labor, and social transformation.
Moreover, the survey indicates that 70% of managers believe the digitization of the labor market could negatively impact professional wages.
Despite concerns surrounding job losses, 92.5% of managers anticipate that AI will transform existing jobs and create new ones, particularly in sectors like robotics, the Internet of Things, and machine-to-machine communication.
However, only 28% of managers feel prepared to incorporate AI into their workplaces. While 35.1% believe training is crucial to navigating the future labor market, a mere 5.1% think the education sector is ready to train new technology experts.
As a result, companies will need to spearhead continuous and personalized training to prepare for AI advancements and confront issues of technology adoption, job and salary uncertainties, and work continuity.